(a) whether the Government has recently made it mandatory for all retired defence personnel as well as family members of deceased defence personnel to have Aadhaar details in order to be able to claim their pensions; and

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

A N S W E R

MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(a) & (b): Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence vide its notification dated 03.03.2017 has notified that a Defence Forces Pensioner / Family Pensioners eligible to receive the pension benefits is required to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo Aadhaar authentication.

However, if an eligible individual entitled to receive pension benefits does not possess the Aadhaar Number or is not yet enrolled for Aadhaar, but desirous to avail pension benefits is required to make Aadhaar enrolment by 30th June, 2017. The pension benefit shall be given to such individuals till the Aadhaar is assigned to the beneficiaries subject to the production of identification document(s) as prescribed in the said notification.

The use of Aadhaar as identity document for receiving pension benefits simplifies the Government delivery processes, brings in transparency and efficiency, and enables beneficiaries to get their entitlements directly in a convenient and seamless manner and Aadhaar obviates the need for producing multiple documents to prove one’s identity.